BJ 1857 
.C5 W6 

Copy 1 



Library of Congress. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Chap. 
Shelf- 



If c 



LESSONS ON MANNERS 



FOR 



SCHOOL AND HOME USE 



EDITH E. WIGGIN 



" %, beautiful b^abior is % finest of t\z fine arts." — Emerson. 



BOSTON 

LEE AND SHEPARD, 47 FRANKLIN STREET 

NEW YORK 
CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM, 678 BROADWAY 

1885 



300 '(* 

Copyright, 

1884, 

By LEE AND SHEPARD. 



All rights reserved* 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION 5 

LESSON I. 

Manners in General 9 

LESSON II. 

Manners at School 13 

LESSON III. 

Manners on the Street 19 

LESSON IV. 

Manners at Home 25 

LESSON V. 

Manners toward the Aged 31 

LESSON VI. 

Manners at the Table 39 

LESSON VII. 

Manners in Society 47 



iv 



CONTENTS. 



LESSON VIII. 
Manners at Church 57 

LESSON IX. 

Manners at Places of Amusement- ... 61 
LESSON X. 

Manners in Stores and similar Public Places . 67 
LESSON XI. 

Manners in Travelling 73 



LESSON XII. 

Manners in Borrowing . , . # . .81 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



INTRODUCTION. 

It is true that good manners, like good morals, are 
best taught by the teacher's example. It is also true 
that definite lessons, in which the subject can be 
considered in its appropriate divisions, are of no 
little value if we would have our children attain to 
" that finest of the fine arts, a beautiful behavior." 

Such lessons should be as familiar and conversa- 
tional as possible. They ought to be talks rather 
than lectures ; and the children should be encouraged 
to do a large part of the talking. Children that 
come from homes where good manners are taught 
and practised, will be glad to repeat the precepts of 
politeness learned in the home circle ; and those less 
favored will not want to be behind in this hitherto 
unstudied branch. We must remember that many 
children hear no mention of politeness outside the 
school- 'oom, and are uncouth and rude, not so much 
because they choose to be, as because they do not 
know how to be otherwise. 

I have used in my own schools of different grades 
a series of simple lessons, varying both matter and 
method according to the age and capacity of scholars. 
The good results have been marked, not only in the 



6 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



school-room, but at home and in public places ; and 
years afterwards scholars have expressed their grate- 
ful appreciation of this instruction and its value to 
them in every-day life. I have thought that the pub- 
lication of these outline lessons might be a help to 
other teachers also, in the way of offering sugges- 
tions and saving time in preparing lessons for their 
own classes. 

For some classes the lessons as arranged in this 
little book may be too long, for others too short. 
They are outlines merely, to be filled in and supple- 
mented by each teacher, adding to, taking from, and 
varying them at her discretion. 

It may seem unnecessary to touch upon such sim- 
ple things as some that are spoken of. The teacher, 
perhaps, cannot remember when these axioms were 
not familiar to her ; but let her put questions to the 
children concerning them, and she will find in many 
schools that to half the pupils she is talking in an. 
unknown tongue. Matters are mentioned which do 
not concern them now so much as they will a few 
years later; as, for instance, conduct at places of 
amusement and in company ; but in these things, as 
in their school studies, boys and girls are learning 
now for the future. 

My plan would be to have a familiar talk with the 
children one day, drawing from them, as far as it 
can be done, the rules of behavior which the teacher 
wishes to impress upon them. When she can illus- 
trate a point by a story, the impression will be deep- 



INTRODUCTION. 



7 



ened. It is well also to speak of acts which have 
come under the teacher's eye in the school-room, on 
the play-ground, or on the way to school, and let the 
children decide whether these were polite or impolite, 
and why. This will make the whole matter more real 
to them, and, if they are encouraged to furnish illus- 
trations, they will open their eyes and find them in 
their own little worlds. We want our children in 
school, from the youngest to the oldest, to notice a 
breach of politeness as quickly as an error in recita- 
tion. A little girl of five from a wretched family, 
who had proved an apt scholar in the branch under 
consideration, one day performed some trifling ser- 
vice for an awkward little new scholar. I shall never 
forget her look and tone of amazement as she turned 
to her teacher with, " Why! he didn't say ' Thank 
you.' " 

At the time of the next exercise, I would have the 
children reproduce from an outline placed upon the 
blackboard the precepts deduced from the previous 
talk, not insisting upon any form of words, but en- 
couraging them to use their own. This will be also 
a good oral exercise in language. If the scholars 
are old enough, this oral review can be put upon 
paper, either at this time or for a composition exer- 
cise another day. Nothing except practising the 
precepts will so fix these in their minds. 

If the teacher thinks best, a copy of this manual 
may be placed in the hands of each scholar, and the 
lesson prepared like other lessons, from the printed 



8 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



page. This course would diminish the amount of 
blackboard writing. 

Let the teacher, when it seems wise, commend 
acts of politeness in her scholars. If they know she 
sees and appreciates their efforts, they will redouble 
them. 

It should be her constant aim to lead her scholars 
so to think on these things that are lovely and of 
good report in the province of manners, as well as 
in the higher one of morals, to which' it is so closely 
allied, that thinking may take the shape of doing, 
and doing may crystallize into habit. 



Lesson I. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS IN GENERAL. 



Quotation about manners. 
Golden Rule, 

Need of constant practice. 
Learning by observation, 
Quotation. 



LESSON I. 



MANNERS IN GENERAL. 

It has been said, " Manners are something with 
every one, and everything with some." 

Strangers will judge us entirely by our manners, 
since they cannot know, as our friends do, what is 
beneath this outward behavior. 

The Golden Rule is the foundation of true polite- 
ness, which must spring from kindness of heart. If 
we earnestly try to do to others what we would have 
them do to us, though we may through ignorance 
disregard some points of society etiquette, yet we 
can hardly be impolite. 

Good manners cannot be put on at pleasure, like 
an outside coat, but must belong to us. We have 
all seen veneering on furniture. At first the cheap 
pine article may look as well as if it were made of 
the costly wood with which it is covered , but in the 
wear and tear of every-day use the veneering will 
come off in places, showing the common wood be- 
neath. So it will be with our manners. If they are 
not solid and real throughout, the thin covering of 
politeness will break off here and there, especially 
when exposed to hard usage, and the real stuff we 
are made of will be revealed. 

If we carefully observe persons of fine manners, 
we shall learn much that can be learned in no other 



12 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



way. We must not think we are too well informed 
to be taught on this or any subject, but keep our eyes 
and ears open, and be always ready to learn a " more 
excellent way." The greatest advantage to young 
people of being in good society is the opportunity to 
learn by observation. 

We began this lesson with a quotation, and we 
will close by another worth remembering : " Polite- 
ness is like an air-cushion ; there may be nothing 
solid in it, but it eases the jolts of this world wonder- 
fully." 



Lesson II. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS AT SCHOOL, 



Entering and leaving room, 
Laughing at mistakes or accidents. 
Conduct if accidents occur, 
Treatment of new scholars, 
Conduct when visitors are present, 
Raising hands, 
Rights of property, 

Distributing and collecting materials, 
Conduct at looking-glass and drinking 
place, 

In relating occurrences, when to speak 
of one f s self 



LESSON II. 



MANNERS AT SCHOOL. 

We must not forget to say " Good morning " to 
the teacher when we first see her before school ; or, if 
we stop after school to speak to her, "Good after- 
noon " when we leave. If a boy comes back into 
the room after dismissal, he must remember to take 
of! his hat. 

It is rude to laugh at mistakes or awkwardness : 
nothing is more ill-bred as well as unkind. If an 
accident occurs, we should not laugh, unless it is so 
amusing that all can join without hurting the feelings 
of the one concerned. 

If an accident happens to the dress or property of 
teacher or classmate, w r e should offer our assistance 
quietly, if we can be of use, or else not appear to see 
it, and by no means call attention to it. 

We ought to try to make a new scholar feel at 
home, — help him to become acquainted with the 
others, tell him the rules and customs of the school, 
and assist him at first in his lessons if he needs it. 
We ought not to stare at him when he enters or rises 
to recite, or smile if he makes a mistake. It is kind 
to draw him into games at recess until he forgets he 
is a stranger. We should be especially careful to do 
all this if the new scholar is poorly or peculiarly 
dressed, or is crippled, or unfortunate in any way. 



1 6 LESSONS ON MANNERS. 

When visitors are present, we must be sure to be- 
have as well as at other times. If reading or singing 
is going on, we should pass them a book, handing it 
properly, and should treat them as politely as if they 
were at our houses. When the teacher is engaged 
with company, we should not disturb her with un- 
necessary questions, but busy ourselves until she is 
at liberty. 

To raise hands when it can be avoided is an im- 
polite interruption of school work, and is as rude as 
talking too much in company. To raise the hand 
when a teacher or scholar is speaking is the same 
thing as to interrupt them with a remark or question. 

We must respect the rights of property. It is 
wrong to take a garment, book, or other article be- 
fore or after school without asking permission. If 
anything is borrowed, it should be returned promptly 
with thanks. 

If we are distributing materials to the class, we 
should hand articles quietly and politely to each in 
turn, and in collecting never snatch a book or paper. 

When a number of scholars are waiting for a drink 
at recess, we sometimes see them crowd and push 
one another, each trying to serve himself first. It 
makes us think of cattle at a watering-trough. The 
cattle know no better, but boys and girls do. The 
polite way is for each to stand back and wait his 
turn. This is not only the pleasantest but the quick- 
est way for all to be satisfied. If boys and girls are 
waiting together, every gentlemanly boy will wait for 



MANNERS AT SCHOOL. 



17 



the girls to drink first, and the girls should accept his 
politeness in a polite manner. 

The same remark applies to conduct in the dress- 
ing-room before school. Scholars should quietly 
wait for others to hang up clothing and use the 
looking-glass, instead of pushing forward to secure 
the first chance. 

These early habits of courtesy or rudeness will 
cling to us through life. When we see people rush- 
ing for the best seats in cars or steamboats, and 
crowding'others aside at counters and railroad res- 
taurants, we may be reasonably sure they are those 
who, when boys and girls at school, pushed others 
away from the looking-glass and the drinking place. 

In speaking of occurrences, we must not say, " I 
and James went.'' We ought to speak of ourselves 
last in all cases, except where mischief has been 
done, when we should relate our own share first. 



Lesson III 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS ON THE STREET. 



Why especially important 

Noisy and boisterous conduct 

Calling to any one across the street 

Obstructing the sidewalk. 

Meeting and passing persons, crossing 

over, and taking leave. 
Returning salutations. 
Carrying an umbrella t 
Eating in the street 
Throwing things on the sidewalk. 
Marking walls and fences. 
Looking at windows of private houses 

and pointing at objects. 
Staring at or laughing at infirmities. 
Answering questions. 
Offering assistance. Incidents. 



LESSON III. 



MANNERS ON THE STREET. 

Manners on the street are especially important, 
because many see us there who never see us else- 
where, and they will judge us and our home and 
school training by our good or bad behavior there. 

Noisy and boisterous conduct on the street is 
always unbecoming. No well-bred boy or girl will 
ever try to attract attention there. To make one's 
self conspicuous in public is a sure sign of ignorance 
and ill-breeding. 

If we wish to speak to a person on the other side 
of the street, though it be only a schoolmate, the proper 
way is not to call to him, but to cross over quietly 
and speak. If we wish to look behind us, we should 
not twist the head around, but turn the whole* body. 

It is extremely rude to walk three or four together, 
unless in an unfrequented street, or to stop on cor- 
ners to talk. 

In meeting persons, we must turn to the right, and 
never take more than our share of the sidewalk, and 
give an old person or a lady more than half. In 
passing people, we should be careful not to crowd or 
jostle them ; it is better to step off the sidewalk to 
pass an older person than to do this. If we are 
walking with any one, and wish to take leave or cross 



22 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



the street, we should step behind and not in front of 
our companion. A boy should be as careful as a 
gentleman to give a lady the inside of the walk. 

When we meet an acquaintance we must not say, 
" Halloa ! " but give or return the proper salutation. 
Our tone and manner should be cordial to all and 
respectful to older people. For a boy or girl to 
bestow upon a teacher or any older person a patron- 
izing nod instead of a courteous bow, or a curt 
" Good morning " or " Good evening " with the rising 
inflection on the last syllable, is an impertinence. 
Even little boys should learn to lift their hats to 
ladies, and also to gentlemen entitled by age or posi- 
tion to this mark of respect. 

We must keep step with the person with whom we 
are walking, if we would not make an awkward 
appearance. It is proper for a younger person to 
accommodate his pace to that of an older, and a 
gentleman must keep step with a lady. 

If we see any one fall in the street, we should 
never be so rude as to laugh, but should hasten to 
help if help is needed. 

If we speak to a stranger by mistake, we should 
ask pardon ; and if one speaks to us, we should grace- 
fully accept his apology, as if the mistake were most 
natural, not adding to his embarrassment by our man- 
ner of cold surprise. 

If we have occasion to ask directions of a stranger, 
we should say, " Will you please tell me if this is the 
road to Lynn ? " rather than " Say ! is this the road 



MANNERS ON THE STREET. 



23 



to Lynn ? M We should never fail to give cordial 
thanks for information. 

In holding an umbrella over any one, we must 
carry it high enough, give more of it than we take, 
and in meeting other umbrellas give them their share 
of room. 

It is ill-mannered to eat anything in the street 
No rubbish, such as paper, nutshells, or orange-peel, 
should be thrown on the sidewalk : there is a proper 
place for such things ; and we ought to have too 
much regard for the neat appearance of our streets 
to litter them. 

In this connection, let us remember that to mark 
on walls or fences anywhere not only violates the 
right of property, but is exceedingly ill-bred. If we 
see names scrawled in public places, we may be sure 
the persons thus making themselves conspicuous are 
not ladies or gentlemen. 

We should never stare at windows of private 
houses, and never point at any person. Another 
rude thing often done is to ask a ride of a stranger, 
or, worse still, to steal one by jumping on his car- 
riage without asking. 

If we see those who are lame or deformed- we 
should not call attention to them, or look at them 
ourselves in a way to remind them of their infirmities. 

If strangers iuquire the way of us, we should 
answer their questions politely. We should give 
, directions, with clearness, and cheerfully go out of 
our way to point out a street or building. Some- 



24 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



times we see on the street persons from the country, 
who seem bewildered by the noise and bustle, and un- 
certain which way to go. In such cases, especially 
if they are old or infirm, we should ask in a kind 
way if we can be of service ; and we should be glad 
to help them out of their difficulty, even if it costs 
us time and trouble. The following incident illus- 
trates this street politeness : — 

" As I was walking along a street of a large city," 
says the writer, " I saw an old man, who seemed to 
be blind, walking along without any one to lead him. 
He went very slowly, feeling with his cane, and was 
walking straight to the curbstone. Just then a boy 
who was playing near the corner left his playmates, 
ran up to the eld man, put his hand through his arm 
and said, 6 Let me lead you across the street.' He 
not only helped him over one crossing, but led him 
over another, to the lower side of the street. Now 
this boy thought he had only done a kindness to a 
poor old man, but in reality he had taught a lesson 
of true politeness to his playmates and to every 
person who saw the act." 



Lesson IV. 

• 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS AT HOME. 



Why most important of all, 
Politeness to parents, 
Politeness between brothers and sisters, 
Politeness to servants, Illustrated by 
story, 

Treatment of company : — 

Grown-up company, — callers and 
visitors, — young company. 



LESSON IV. 



MANNERS AT HOME. 

Our manners at home are of more importance 
than our manners anywhere else, for several reasons : 
we spend more time at home than elsewhere ; our 
own family have stronger claims upon us than stran- 
gers ; they love us best and do most for us, and 
they are entitled not only to our love but to every 
courtesy and attention from us. It is a sad thing to 
see a boy or girl polite and kind away from home 
and to strangers only, while at home he is rude, self- 
ish, and heedless of every law of good behavior. If 
we are always polite in our own homes, we shall be 
sure to be polite in other people's homes. If we do 
not forget to say " Good morning " and " Good even- 
ing " to each member of our family, we shall not 
forget to say them to others. 

If a child has fruit or candy, he ought not to sit 
down by himself to eat it, without offering some to 
his companions. 

In olden times it was quite common for a young 
man in writing to his, father to address him as 
u Honored Sir." While these formal modes of 
speech may be out of place in our time, we should 
so keep the commandment to honor our parents 
that its spirit shall be seen in our every-day conduct. 



28 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



Children should in all things make parents first 
and themselves last. A boy ought to show his 
mother every attention that he would to any lady. 
He should remove his hat when coming to speak to 
her, let her pass through a door before him, pick up 
any article she may drop, give her the inside of the 
walk, help her into a carriage, show her into the pew 
at church, and wait upon her everywhere. He has 
similar duties to his sisters ; but girls cannot expect 
politeness from, unless they give it to, their bro:hers. 

We should say " Please " when asking a favor 
from our own family. Children should say " Please " 
and " Thank you " to servants, and should never 
laugh at their mistakes or hurt their feelings. 

Here is an illustration of two ways of treating a 
mistake. A servant-girl who had been but a little 
while in this country had never seen any radishes. 
When the dinner was sent home from market one 
day, a bunch of radishes came with the other vege- 
tables. She supposed they were to be cooked like 
the rest, so she carefully cut off the tops and boiled 
them, then dished them up on a small white platter, 
and placed them on the table with a satisfied look. 
A boy in the family burst into a loud laugh and 
exclaimed, " I guess you never saw any radishes 
before, Mary ; you 've spoilt them." It was neces- 
sary then to explain the mistake, which had better 
been done quietly after dinner ; and the poor rjirl 
retired in confusion to shed tears of mortification 
over her ignorance. After dinner this boy's little 



MANNERS AT HOME. 



2 9 



sister said to a visitor, " The radishes did look so 
funny and small on the dish that I thought I should 
laugh, but I knew Mary would feel bad if I did, so I 
looked at my plate and tried to think of something 
else." 

It is easy to decide which of these children illus- 
trated politeness to servants. 

If our parents are away when visitors come, or too 
busy to see them at once, it is our place to show them 
in politely, take a gentleman's hat, or a lady's wrap- 
pings if she wishes to remove them, offer a comfort- 
able chair, show them anything that we think will in- 
terest them, and entertain them as well as we can 
until older people are at liberty. When they are 
busy with company we should not trouble them with 
any request that can wait. 

If friends of our parents are visiting them, we 
should do all we can to make the visit pleasant, and 
should help our mothers even more than usual, that 
they may have more time for the visitors. If we can 
take care ©f younger brothers or sisters, it will often 
be a great relief to them and the company besides. 

A lady once went to visit a friend whom she had 
not seen for years. There was much to talk about, 
and both felt that the afternoon would be all too 
short. Think how surprised and pleased the visitor 
was when her friend's little daughter, instead of stay- 
ing in the room and teasing her mother with all man- 
ner of questions, as children often do in such cases, 
took her baby brother upstairs and amused him until 



30 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



tea-time, so that her mother might have a quiet after- 
noon with her friend. You may be sure the lady will 
never forget that little girl's thoughtful politeness. 

We should not enter visitors' rooms without knock- 
ing, or sit down without being invited ; neither should 
we take up anything belonging to them, or ask ques- 
tions about it. We should try not to be tiresome or 
disagreeable. 

When young people come to visit us we should re- 
member that their entertainment is our affair. We 
should treat them precisely as we would want to be 
treated at their houses. It is rude to criticise their 
dress or anything belonging to them, or to ask in- 
quisitive questions about their homes. We should 
talk about the things they are interested in, play the 
games they like, show them our toys and books, and 
have regard to their preferences in every occupation 
and amusement. 

Home ought to be the happiest place in the world, 
and the daily practice of genuine politeness toward 
each other will do much to make it so. Every lit :le 
seed of courtesy, kindness, and consideration for 
others sown in the home circle will spring up and 
bear many more after its own kind, which shall be 
scattered, like the seeds in nature, by winds and 
waters, and shall be a blessing to the world wher- 
ever they may fall. 



Lesson Y. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS TOWARD THE AGED. 



Respectful treatment at all times. 
Mistakes in grammar and pronuncia- 
tion. 

Attention to remarks and questions. 
Patience in repeating answers, 
What to talk of and read to them. 
Waiting upon them and saving steps, 
Giving them the best seats. 
Helping them first at table. 
Giving up seats in cars and public 

places to them. 
Never letting them feel in the way. 



LESSON V. 



MANNERS TOWARD THE AGED. 

No person, however high his position, is so entitled 
to respect and attention as one with white hair and 
bent figure. No young person of right feeling and 
good-breeding will ever fail in politeness toward the 
old. The Bible commands us to reverence the aged, 
and in one place says, " Thou shalt rise up before the 
hoary head, and honor the face of the old man." 
Even among the lowest races of men respect for old 
people is almost universal. 

There is a story of an Indian which illustrates this. 
The writer tells us that many years ago, on the banks 
of the Kennebec River, he saw an Indian coming 
across in his canoe. He had his wife with him and 
a very old woman covered with a blanket. When he 
reached the shore he kindled a fire, took out the old 
woman in his arms and laid her down tenderly by it. 
He then cooked some food and gave it to her, while 
he and his wife waited until she had finished eating. 
Seeing the gentleman observing him, he pointed to 
the aged woman and said, " It is my mother." 

In China disrespect to the aged is unknown, and 
disobedience to parents has been punished with 
death. 

We cannot expect to be honored when we are old, 
unless we honor ihe old when we are young. 



34 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



Almost every one has read the story of "The 
Wooden Bowl," which well illustrates what has just 
been said. 

An old man who had a home with his son had be- 
come so infirm that he could no longer work. His 
son treated him unkindly, and grudgingly gave him 
his scanty portion of coarse food, making the poor 
old man feel that he was considered a burden by his 
own child. Matters grew worse until at last he was 
not allowed to come to the table. His son made for 
him a rude wooden bowl, from which he ate his food 
in the kitchen. 

One day this son saw his own little boy at work 
with his jackknife on a piece of wood. " What are 
you doing, my child ? " he asked. "I am making a 
wooden bowl like grandpa's, for you to eat out of 
when you are old, father/' said the child. 

This answer made such an impression .upon the 
son, showing him what treatment he had a right to 
expect from his own children after the example he 
had given them, that from that time he treated his 
old father with the respect and kindness he himself 
wished to receive in his old age. 

We should never laugh at mistakes in speech. 
The old-fashioned expressions that seem so queer to 
us may have been right when those who use them 
were young. Some of our ways of speaking will 
probably seem as strange to young people when we 
are old as theirs do now to us, so we are laughing at 
ourselves beforehand. Then we should remember 



MANNERS TOWARD THE AGED. 



35 



that years ago school privileges were not so great as 
they are now. Children then went to school but 
little in comparison with us, and their speech was 
not watched and corrected by teachers as ours is. 
We ought never to criticise mistakes in the aged as 
we would in our little brothers and sisters : it is dis- 
respectful ; and besides they are too old to change 
habits. 

We should listen with attention and with no sign 
of impatience to all they say, answer their questions 
kindly, and not contradict, even if through forgetful- 
ness the same question is often asked and mistakes 
are made. If they are childish and sometimes fault- 
finding, we should treat them with the gentleness we 
would show to a little child, together with the respect 
that belongs to gray hairs. 

If they are hard of hearing, we should repeat pa- 
tiently and gently and never shout an answer. 

When we talk with them we should talk of what 
they care for, even if it is what we are not interested 
in. If we try, we can generally become interested 
for their sakes. We should be willing to read to 
them articles and books that may seem prosy to us; 
we ought to think how long the days must seem to 
those who are too feeble to go out as we do, and we 
should be glad to do what we can to entertain them. 

We should cheerfully wait upon old people, and 
let them feel that young hands and feet are glad to 
take the place of theirs. There are countless little 
services which we can perform for them : we can 



36 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



bring grandfather his hat and cane, find a place in 
the paper for him with our bright eyes, thread grand- 
mother's needle, pick up dropped stitches in her 
knitting, hunt for her glasses when she loses them, 
and run on errands for them both. 

They ought to have the most comfortable chairs, 
in winter the warmest seats by the fire, and in the 
evening the place where their failing eyes shall have 
the best light. 

If we are sitting in the only rocking-chair in the 
room, or in the easiest one, and an old person enters, 
we should immediately rise and offer it to him, not 
simply ask if he would not like it. 

At the table we should see that old people are 
helped first and their wants carefully attended to. 

In cars or public places, a boy or girl should never 
allow an old man or woman to stand, but should 
hasten to give up a seat and insist on its being taken, 
especially if the person is poorly dressed. 

The following story of what happened long ago in 
the famous old city of Athens well illustrates this 
point : — 

A play was to be performed at the principal theatre 
of Athens, and the seats were soon taken. When the 
theatre was full, an old man came in and looked 
around for a seat. He was quite infirm and could 
not stand long. He looked first one way and then 
another. At length he saw a party of young Athe- 
nians beckoning to him. He tried to get to them, 
which he had to do by climbing over seats and push- 



MANNERS TOWARD THE AGED. 



37 



ing through the crowd ; and, when at last he reached 
them, they sat down, and, instead of giving him the 
seat he had expected, took up all the room, leaving 
the old man standing. 

In this theatre were some seats fitted up for stran- 
gers. These were filled by young Spartans, who, when 
they saw the behavior of the Athenians, were much 
displeased, and beckoned to the old man to come to 
thern. When he was near them they all rose and re- 
ceived him with the greatest respect. The whole as- 
sembly, seeing this, could not help bursting into a 
shout of applause. 

The old man then said, " The Athenians know what 
is right, but the Spartans practise it." 

Above all things, we should never let the old feel 
that they are in the way, or that it is a relief when 
they leave the room. They are usually sensitive to 
anything like a slight, and their feelings are quickly 
hurt by real or seeming neglect. 



Lesson VI. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS AT THE TABLE. 



Promptness in coming to the table. 
When to be seated. 
Waiting one's turn to be helped. 
Beginning to eat before others, 
Asking for articles of food, — how, 

when, and where. 
Criticism of food on the table. 
Use of napkin, knife, fork, and spoon, 
Haste in eating, 
Attention to wants of others. 
Conduct in case of accidents. 
Mention of unpleasant subjects. 
Use of toothpick. 
When and how to leave the table. 
Quietness of movement. 
Observance of table manners in others, 



LESSON VI. 



MANNERS AT THE TABLE. 

It is not polite to linger after being called to the 
table. When the bell is rung, or any other summons 
given, it is to be supposed that the meal is ready, 
and the call should be promptly obeyed. Food does 
not improve by waiting, and unnecessary delay is 
rudeness to the persons at whose table we sit, 
whether our own parents or strangers. When we 
know the hours for meals we should plan to be ready 
for them. 

Until the lady of the house takes her seat, other 
persons should not take theirs. In taking our seats 
we should be careful not to jar the table. 

Each one should quietly wait his turn to be helped. 
Children sometimes pass their plates as soon as they 
are seated, or begin to handle knife, fork, and spoon 
as if they were in hungry haste. They should wait 
for visitors and older persons to be helped first, and 
brothers should wait for their sisters. A story is 
told of a little girl, five years old, who at a large 
dinner party was overlooked until the company had 
finished the first course. She waited before her 
empty plate in perfect quietness until some one 
noticed her, — bravely trying to keep back the tears, 
— because she thought it was the polite and proper 
thing to do. This was carrying polite waiting further 



42 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



than was necessary, but was much better than the 
rude haste too common among children. 

It is polite to wait until all or nearly all are helped 
before beginning to eat ; and children should never 
begin before older people. 

It is not polite to ask for things at other tables 
than our own or those of intimate friends who expect 
it of us. The persons at whose table we sit are 
expected to supply our wants without our making 
them known. In asking we must not forget to say, 
" Please pass the bread," or whatever we wish for, 
and to say, " If you please," " Yes, thank you," or 
" No, thank you," when w r e accept or decline what 
is offered. We should ask for any article by name, 
and never point at the dish. Ill-mannered children 
sometimes ask for pie or pudding or oranges before 
they are brought on, instead of waiting for the 
courses in their proper order, and even have been 
known to make their entire dinner on the dessert. 
One is apt to think such children are not accustomed 
to dainties in their own homes, or they would not be 
so greedy for them. 

We should never say, " I don't like that," if some- 
thing is offered we do not wish to eat, but simply 
decline it beforehand or leave it upon our plates 
without remark ; and under no circumstances should 
we criticise what is on the table. 

There is a proper, graceful way to handle napkin, 
knife, fork, and spoon, and we should study to learn 
this way and to avoid the clumsy awkwardness in 



MANNERS AT THE TABLE. 



43 



these little things that marks the person unused to 
good society. 

To eat fast is one of the bad habits of American 
people which we ought to avoid. If acquired in 
childhood, it will be hard to overcome, and will 
cause us much mortification when, later in life, we 
find ourselves with empty plates long before well- 
bred people in the company have finished theirs. 
Since we do not leave the table before others, there 
is nothing gained, even in time, while much is lost 
in health and in good manners. 

We should be attentive to the wants of others, 
particularly at our own table, and quietly supply 
them when it is proper to do so, especially in the 
case of old people and little children. In passing 
a knife, fork, or spoon to others, we must offer them 
the handle, not the blade or point, and pass a pitcher 
with the handle toward them. 

If an accident occurs, such as breaking a dish, 
overturning a glass of water, or dropping food upon 
the cloth, we should take no notice of it by look or 
word unless we can repair the mischief, which we 
should do in a way not to attract attention to the 
Unlucky person. 

We should never speak of what is unpleasant at 
the table. If we have bad news to tell, this is not 
the place to tell it. Sickness, accident, death, and 
whatever is painful to hear, should not be discussed 
any more than what is disagreeable. Neither is the 
table the place to talk of work or business details* 



44 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



but subjects should be chosen that all are interested 
in. No one should be allowed to scold or find fault 
at meal time. Cheerful conversation is good for 
digestion as well as enjoyment. Each one should 
be in his best mood at the table, and the hours which 
families spend together there ought to be among the 
happiest of the day. 

Solomon understood this matter when he said, 
" Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a 
stalled ox and hatred therewith." 

No well-bred person would for a moment think of 
using a toothpick at the table, still less a fork or a 
pin in place of a toothpick. 

No one, either a grown person or a child, should 
leave his seat until the lady of the house rises, unless 
there is good reason for doing so, when he should 
politely ask her to excuse him. In rising, the chair 
should not be pushed back from the table, but lifted 
quietly with the hands, and left in its proper position. 
Every movement at the table should be made with 
as little noise as possible. All moving of feet, lean- 
ing upon the table, jostling of dishes, or clatter of 
knives and forks, shows ignorance of table man- 
ners. 

If we observe the manners and customs of others 
in society to which we have not been accustomed, 
we shall be often saved from blunders. If those in 
company with us make mistakes, we should be gov- 
erned by the same rule as in case of accidents, — not 
take notice unless we can undo or cover the mistake* 



MANNERS AT THE TABLE. 



45 



An incident is related of a certain king which illus- 
trates this true politeness. 

At the royal table on one occasion were two ladies 
from an obscure provincial town who were unused to 
the customs of city and court. When tea was 
brought in they poured some from the cup into the 
saucer to cool it. The king saw a smile go around 
the table at their expense, and, with politeness wor- 
thy of a king, he hastened to pour his own tea into 
the saucer, upon which every person at the table felt 
obliged to follow the royal example, and the two 
strangers were spared the mortification of discovering 
that they had done anything unusual. 



Lesson VII. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS IN SOCIETY. 



Entering and taking leave. 

Removal of hat and oare of wrappings, 

Various courtesies, 

Staring at or speaking of defects and 

infirmities. 
Treatment of accidents and mistakes, 
Whispering, laughing, and private con- 
versation, 

Attention to one's dress or matters of 
toilet, 

Sitting still gracefully. 

Inattention to the company we are in, 

Introductions. 

Giving proper titles, 

Attention in conversation, — illustration. 

Attention to reading or music. 

Looking over another's shoulder, 

Reading letters, 

Interest in what is shown us. 

Asking questions of strangers. 

Contradicting statements, 

Doing our part, 



LESSON VII. 



MANNERS IN SOCIETY. 

When we make a call upon a friend, we should 
speak to each person in the room when we enter and 
when we leave, but at a party or other formal gath- 
ering it is not necessary to take leave of any except 
the host and hostess, to whom we must also speak as 
soon as we arrive. A visit is a more important mat- 
ter than a call, and at its close, we should take pains 
to bid good by to each one of the household, ex- 
pressing to those who have entertained us, when we 
can do so with truth, our enjoyment of the visit, and 
our wish to have them visit us. 

It is polite to write as soon as possible to those 
whom we have been visiting: they wish to know 
of our safe arrival at home ; and a letter also gives 
us opportunity to say any pleasant thing about the 
visit that we may have forgotten or omitted. 

Upon entering any house a gentleman or gentle- 
manly boy will remove his hat, and never allow it 
upon his head inside the door. 

When the streets are muddy or snowy, we should 
carefully wipe our feet or remove our overshoes at 
the door ; and in stormy weather we must take care 
that dripping waterproofs and umbrellas are put 
where they will not injure carpets or paper. 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



When the company are putting on their wrappings 
to go home, it is polite to offer assistance, particularly 
to those older than ourselves. 

A gentleman should allow a lady to pass through 
a door before him, holding it open for her. We 
ought not to pass in front of others if we can go 
behind them ; but if it is necessary to do so, we should 
ask them to excuse us. A gentleman should go 
upstairs before a lady, and behind her coming down, 
taking care not to step on her dress. 

If a handkerchief or other article is dropped, we 
should hasten to pick it up and restore it to the 
owner. In handing a pair of scissors, a knife, or 
any pointed article, we ought to turn the point toward 
ourselves. 

It is rude to stare at people in company, especially 
if they are unfortunate in any way or peculiar in 
appearance ; neither is it polite to allude to a per- 
sonal defect or ask a question about its cause, even 
in the kindest manner. The same rule applies here 
as in case of family misfortune or bereavement, that 
if persons suffering the affliction wish it mentioned, 
they will speak of it first themselves. To do as 
we would be done by is the rule of real politeness in 
all these cases. 

If an accident happens to persons or their dress, 
or if their dress is out of order, if we can give assist- 
ance we should do so in a quiet way without attract- 
ing attention ; if we cannot be of use, we should take 
no notice of the misfortune. The same principle of 



MANNERS IN SOCIETY. 



51 



good-breeding will keep us from laughing at mis- 
takes or accidents. 

To exchange glances with another, to whisper, or 
to laugh unless others know what we are laughing 
at, is even ruder than to stare, and no one who is 
polite will do these things. In company is not the 
place to tell secrets or carry on personal or private 
conversation. 

We should see that our dress is in order before 
we enter the room, and then neither think nor speak 
of it. To look in the glass, smooth one's gloves and 
laces, or play with rings or chain, seems like calling 
attention to our dress, and is in bad taste. It would 
seem unnecessary here or anywhere to say that at- 
tention to finger-nails, which is a matter of the toilet 
for one's chamber, is inexcusable, if we did not 
sometimes see persons in the presence of others take 
out pocket-knives for this purpose. 

It is a common saying that people unused to 
society do not know what to do with their hands and 
feet. The best direction that can be given is to do 
nothing. Let them take easy positions of them- 
selves, and think no more about them. To sit still 
gracefully is an accomplishment worth acquiring, 
and it should be studied by boys and girls as well as 
grown people. The necessity for it comes so often 
in life that we should learn to do it well. We should 
not sit on the edge or corner of a chair, or tilt it 
backward or forward. 

Drumming with the fingers on tables or chairs, 



52 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



rocking rapidly back and forth, or looking out of the 
window, as if we were more interested in things out- 
side than in those in the room, should never be done. 
It is well said that " if in company we are absent in 
mind, we had better be absent in body." " Forget 
yourself " is one of the best and broadest precepts of 
good behavior ; but we should never forget others. 

It is often our duty in society to introduce persons 
to each other, and we should study to do this grace- 
fully. It is said of Alice Cary that she had such a 
happy way of giving introductions as to make each 
person feel specially honored. We should introduce 
a gentleman to a lady, saying, " Mr. Smith, Miss 
Jones," if we use this simplest form of introduction, 
and not "Miss Jones, Mr. Smith," as is often done. 
We should introduce a younger person to an older? 
unless it be one of our own family, when, " My aunt, 
Mrs. Brown, Miss Jones," is proper. We should in- 
troduce strangers to each other at the table "and else- 
where before they have time to feel awkward at not 
being able to speak. Great pains should be taken 
to pronounce distinctly the names of those intro- 
duced. Too often each person hears only his own. 

We should speak of people as Mr., Mrs., or Miss, 
except with intimate friends, giving particular titles 
when proper, and never allude to any one as " Old 
Smith," or " Old Miss Jones." 

To make ill-natured remarks about the absent 
shows a want of good-breeding as well as good 
feeling. 



MANNERS IN SOCIETY. 



S3 



No one should make himself conspicuous in com- 
pany by loud laughing and talking. To make re- 
marks intended to be overheard, especially remarks 
meant to be funny, is clownish, — and to be a society 
clown is a very low ambition. 

We must not interrupt one who is speaking, and 
must pay attention to remarks addressed to the com- 
pany. If a person is speaking to us we ought to 
listen attentively, even if we are not interested, and 
not hurt his feelings by letting our eyes wander from 
him or showing other signs of impatience. A good 
listener is as welcome in society as a good talker, 
and often more so, because every one who talks 
likes to be listened to with appreciative attention. 

Those who have read " The Wide, Wide World " 
will remember an instance of little Ellen Montgom- 
ery's good-breeding in this respect, when she was 
visiting at Ventnor. 

" Ellen is a fascinating child," said Mrs. Gillespie. 
" I cannot comprehend where she gets the manners 
she has. I never saw a more perfectly polite little 
girl." 

" I have noticed the same thing often," said Miss 
Sophia. " Did you observe her last night when John 
Humphreys came in ? You were talking to her at 
the moment. Before the door was opened, I saw 
her color come and her eyes sparkle, but she did not 
look towards him for an instant till you had finished 
what you were saying to her, and she had given, as 
she always does, her modest, quiet answer, and then 



54 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



her eve went straight as an arrow to where he was 
Standing." 

When any one is reading aloud, playing, or sing- 
ing, we ought to give him the same close attention 
we would wish to receive if we were in his place. 
Talking or moving about at such times is unpardon- 
ably rude, and also looking at the clock as if we 
were impatient for the performer to finish. 

We should never interrupt with questions or re- 
marks a person engaged in reading or writing, and 
to look over the shoulder of one so employed is im- 
pertinent. 

If letters are brought to us, we should not open 
and read them in company unless they require imme- 
diate attention, when we should ask to be excused 
for doing so. 

We should give interested attention to books, pic- 
tures, views, or games shown us for our entertain- 
ment, and express pleasure and admiration when we 
can with truth. If an article or a letter is given us 
to read, we should not hand it back without remark, 
or begin to read something else, as is often done by 
people who ought to know better, but we should 
thank the one who showed it to us, speak of it 
politely, and if there is anything about it we can 
commend, do so. 

If we have occasion to make an inquiry of a 
stranger, we should preface it with, " Excuse me," 
"Pardon me," or, "I beg your pardon," unless we 
use the simpler form, "Will you please tell me," 
in beginning our question. 



MANNERS IN SOCIETY. 



55 



It is ill bred to contradict, especially if the one 
addressed be an older person. If a person says in 
our hearing that the lecture was given Thursday 
evening, when it was really Wednesday, or that Miss 
Green was at the concert with Miss White when we 
know that Miss Gray was her companion, it is not 
our place to embarrass the speaker by setting him 
right. If we are appealed to, or if there is good 
reason why we should correct the statement, we 
should do so politely, with an apology for the 
correction. 

We ought to be willing in company to contribute 
our share to the general entertainment. Unless we 
are willing to give as well as receive, we had better 
stay at home. It is ill-mannered to read aloud, sing, 
or play to others unless we are invited to do so ; 
but if a request is made, it is much more polite and 
agreeable to the company for us to comply cheerfully, 
and do the best we can, than to wait for much urging 
and then to burden the listeners with apologies before 
we begin. If we do not feel able to do what is 
asked of us, we should politely but positively decline 
at first. 

If games are proposed, unless there is some good 
reason for our doing so, it is not polite to decline taking 
part, saying, " I will see the rest play." If all die 
this, nobody would be entertained. It is much more 
the part of good manners to enter heartily into the 
amusement of the hour, and do our best to make it 
a success. 



56 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



It is this spirit of readiness to help on things that 
makes useful members of society, and the more 
earnestly boys and girls cultivate it the more fit they 
will be for their duties as citizens. We ought not 
to be content to be ciphers anywhere. As signifi- 
cant figures, we shall be of more value in the world, 
be happier ourselves, and make others happier. 



Lesson VIII. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS AT CHURCH, 



Punctuality, 
Manner of entering, 
Courtesy toward ladies, 
Courtesy toward strangers, 
Whispering, laughing, and moving 

about 
Dress at church, 

Turning the head to see who comes in, 
Attention to the service, 
Dropping hymn-books, 
Manner of leaving, 



J 



LESSON VIII. 



MANNERS AT CHURCH. 

We should try never to be late at church : it is a 
disrespect to the place and the worship ; it breaks 
in upon the service, takes the attention of people 
from it, and disturbs the minister. If we are late, 
we must not go in during prayer time, but wait near 
the door. 

We should enter a church quietly and soberly. 
Boys should be as particular as gentlemen to remove 
their hats at the door, not half-way up the aisle, and 
to open the pew door for ladies to pass in first. If 
they are in the pew beforehand, they should rise and 
pass out for ladies to enter. 

When a seat is given us in a strange church, we 
should not take it without acknowledgment. We 
should welcome strangers to our pew, hand them a 
book with the place found, and invite them to come 
again. If we notice any one near us who cannot find 
the hymn or place to read, we should quietly pass 
him our open book. 

It is worse to whisper or laugh in church than any- 
where^else, for it is not only ill-bred but irreverent. 
We should avoid moving about in our pews, looking 
around at people, opening or shutting books, and 
whatever disturbs the quiet of the place. 

It is not in good taste to wear much jewelry at 



6o 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



church, or showy articles of any kind that will attract 
attention. A house of worship is no place for 
striking effects in costume, such as might be proper 
at a party or place of amusement. 

We often see persons in church turn their heads 
whenever the door is opened, to see who is coming 
in. Such a disregard of good manners well deserved 
the rebuke it received once from a Scotch minister, 
who, annoyed by this habit, astonished his congrega- 
tion one Sunday morning by announcing to them the 
name of each late comer as he entered. 

If we cannot give respectful attention to the ser- 
vice, we had better stay at home, and not disturb 
those who go to church to worship. 

The clergyman is often annoyed by the dropping 
of hymn-books or prayer-books noisily into the rack, 
especially at the close of the last hymn, when he is 
waiting to pronounce the benediction. This might 
be done as well and better without any noise what- 
ever. 

It is rude in the extreme to seize hats and rush for 
the door as soon as the last word is said, or to engage 
at once in idle chatter and laughter. There should 
be a reverent pause, and then we should pass slowly 
and quietly down the aisle. It is ill-bred to seem in 
haste to be gone. Unless we can sit through the 
service with patience, we should not attend it. Look- 
ing at the clock or taking out one's watch during 
service comes under the same condemnation as leav- 
ing with unbecoming haste at the close. 



Lesson IX. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS AT PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. 



Punctuality, 

Finding seats, 

Waiting with quietness, 

Gazing about and making criticisms, 

Talking and laughing, — story, 

Looking at watches and clocks, 

Applause, 

Doing fancy work, 

Courtesy to others, 

Time and manner of leaving, 



LESSON IX. 



MANNERS AT PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. 

When we attend a lecture, concert, or other enter- 
tainment we should go in season : to enter after 
the performance begins is a discourtesy to the per- 
formers and an annoyance to every person in the 
audience. If we are obliged to be late, we should 
w T ait for a favorable time, and then be seated quickly 
and quietly. 

When there is a choice of seats we have a right to 
take the best that remain when we arrive ; but this 
right offers no excuse for us to push and elbow other 
people, or to obtain such seats by crowding others 
aside. It is better to have the poorest seat in the 
house or none at all than to sacrifice good manners 
and self-respect. We often see disgraceful exhibi- 
tions of selfishness at entertainments on the part of 
people who pride themselves at home and in company 
on their politeness. 

If we are too early, or if there is delay in com- 
mencing, Ave should wait with well-bred quietness. 
Nothing marks more surely the ill-bred person than 
noisy demonstrations of impatience at waiting. This 
is one of the occasions to practise the graceful sit- 
ting still which has been spoken of in the lesson on 
manners in society. 



6 4 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



It is not polite to gaze at those around us, still less 
to make remarks about them or their dress. 

Loud talking and laughing, and all conduct cal- 
culated to make ourselves conspicuous, should be 
avoided. The people who attract attention in these 
ways will be likely to eat candy, nuts, and popped 
Corn while the exercises are going on, and to violate 
propriety in other ways. 

Whispering during a performance is an offence 
against good manners ; yet it is surprising how com- 
mon the offence is. School children know how the 
visitors on examination days often talk to each other 
throughout the exercises, to the great disturbance of 
the whole school as well as the teacher, and this rec- 
ollection ought to make them more careful to avoid 
the impoliteness themselves. Many people seem to 
attend places of amusement for the sole purpose of 
talking with their friends. They will hold long dis- 
cussions upon dress, cooking, and family matters, as 
if no music or speaking were in progress, and as 
if no one else cared to hear more than they. If we 
do not go to a concert to hear the music, we have no 
right there ; and the same is true at all public enter- 
tainments. 

It is related of Margaret Fuller that at one of 
Jenny Lind's concerts her evening's enjoyment was 
destroyed by some rude young people who whispered 
incessantly, laughed at each other's foolish jokes, and 
paid no attention to the wonderful music. At the 
close of the concert she sent for the young girl whose 



MANNERS AT PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. 65 



behavior had been most noticeable to come to her. 
The girl was much flattered by the request from so 
distinguished a person, though she was at a loss to 
account for it. As she appeared with an air of 
pleased curiosity, Margaret Fuller said to her, " I 
hope that never again in your life will you be the 
cause of so much annoyance and pain to any one as 
you have been to me this evening." 

It is to be hoped that this rebuke, with the good 
advice given with it to this thoughtless girl, was a 
lesson in good manners which she and her compan- 
ions never forgot. 

To take out one's watch or to turn the head to 
look at the clock is like saying we are impatient to 
go, and must be disturbing to the speaker. If it is 
necessary for us to look at a watch, we should do so 
without its being seen, and should stifle in our pock- 
ets the click of shutting it. 

It is rude to applaud noisily : we can be enthusi- 
astic in applause without being boisterous. 

Some ladies have a habit of carrying fancy work 
to places of amusement. If they knit or crochet be- 
fore the performance begins, it is a foolish parade of 
industry which is probably not carried out at home ; 
but if they continue the occupation after one begins 
to sing or speak or read, it is impertinent, and ex- 
tremely annoying to the speaker. It seems like say- 
ing that his words are not worthy of undivided atten- 
tion, but are of so little consequence that one can 
take in their meaning and beauty while counting" 
stitches and studying patterns. 



66 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



We should be mindful of little courtesies to those 
near us, such as handing our programme or opera- 
glass to one who has none. If a question is asked 
about the performance, we should answer with cordial 
politeness and cheerfully give any information we 
can. 

We should never leave the hall while the perform- 
ance is going on. It is, like coming in late, an 
affront to the performers and to the audience. Usu- 
ally, if we cannot stay until the close, we should stay 
away. If there is any urgent reason, such as taking 
a train, for our leaving before the close, we should 
do so between the parts of a performance, and as 
noiselessly as possible. When we stay to the end 
we should remain seated and give our attention until 
the last word is uttered. The speaker usually keeps 
his best effort for the close, and he should not be 
embarrassed, or those listening be disturbed, by the 
confusion of preparations for departure. To reach 
the door a minute or two sooner, or to get the best 
seats in a car, is not worth the rudeness it requires. 
We shall never be guilty of it if we only apply the 
Golden Rule and consider how we should feel in the 
speaker's place. 



Lesson X. 



• 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS IN STORES AND SIMILAR 
PUBLIC PLACES. 



Shutting doors, 

How to ask fur articles in stores, 
Making trouble for clerks, 
Handling goods, 

Finding fault with articles or prices, 
Courtesy to other customers 
Courtesy to clerks, 

Conduct in the post-office, — entering 
in crowds, not waiting for others, 
noise and rudeness, 

Visiting railroad stations. 

Two things to consider, 



LESSON X. 



MANNERS IN STORES AND SIMILAR PUBLIC PLACES. 

On entering or leaving a store in cold weather we 
should consider the comfort of those behind the 
counters and shut the door, if there is no one whose 
business it is to do it for us. We ought to state 
c^arly and definitely what we want to buy, and pa- 
tiently explain if the clerk, through inexperience or 
dulness, does not at first understand our request. 

A good supply of patience and politeness is needed 
in shopping, and a true lady or gentleman will not 
lose temper or forget good manners, even if a clerk 
is impertinent or disobliging. 

We should not make unnecessary trouble for clerks 
by asking them to take clown and unfold piece after 
piece of goods for us to examine, if we have no in- 
tention of buying. Many ladies do this habitually, 
because they enjoy it, and then wonder that the clerks 
are not more polite. If we wish merely to examine 
before buying at some future time, it is better to say 
so, and then the merchant or clerk will not be dis- 
appointed if we do not purchase. 

We should handle delicate fabrics in stores as care- 
fully as if they were our own, and not tumble them 
over, leaving ribbons and laces in tangled heaps, es- 
pecially if we do not buy. 

We should not find fault with the quality of arti- 



70 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



cles. If we are not satisfied, it is enough to say that 
the goods do not suit us, without making disparaging 
remarks to the clerk, who has no responsibility in the 
matter. 

It is a sign of ignorance and ill-breeding to haggle 
over the price of a thing and try to induce the seller 
to take less for it. In Oriental countries, it is said, 
the dealer always asks at first four times the price he 
expects to receive, but in our country this is not cus- 
tomary, and the price stated is supposed to be fair 
and final. If we think the article is not worth the 
price, or if it is beyond our means, it is best to say 
we do not wish to pay so much and leave it. If the 
dealer can afford to sell it cheaper, and will do so 
for the sake of our buying, it is his place to offer 
it for less, not ours to ask. If he asks more than a 
thing is worth, hoping to take advantage of our need 
of it or our ignorance, he ought to be punished by 
our refusal to buy. 

We should wait our turn at a counter and regard 
the convenience of others as well as ourselves. It is 
not polite to demand the attention of a clerk who is 
waiting upon another customer, or to take up what 
another is looking at. If we are in great haste, and 
customers who seem to have plenty of time are at the 
counter before us, we may sometimes ask their per- 
mission to be waited on while they are looking at 
goods, apologizing for doing so. If we are sitting 
at a counter, we should politely give our seat to an 
older lady, or to one who looks weary. 



MANNERS IN STORES AND PUBLIC PLACES. 71 



If a clerk takes uncommon pains to please us, or 
puts himself to more trouble than we have a right to 
expect, we must not forget to thank him. If custom- 
ers are polite and considerate, they seldom have rea- 
son to complain of those behind the counter. The 
same is true at post-offices, railroad stations, and 
wherever we are served by others. 

These general principles of politeness in stores 
can be applied in all similar public places. 

The post-office is often the scene of most unman- 
nerly conduct on the part of boys and girls, espe- 
cially just after the close of school, when they all 
rush in for letters. Instead of quietly walking up to 
the window, one at a time, the boys giving way to the 
girls when there is but one place of delivery, and 
both boys and girls waiting for older people, they are 
apt to go in by dozens, crowding to the window and 
clamoring for their letters, making themselves ex- 
tremely annoying to all grown people present. 

We should say, "I would like a dozen stamps, if 
you please," or, " Please weigh this letter,'' rather 
than, "I want a dozen stamps/' or, "Weigh this 
letter, will you ? " 

The post-office is a place of business, like a store 
or a bank. Our only object in going there is to mail 
or receive letters, which we should do like any othei 
business, — in a quiet, respectable manner. No one 
has a right to stand around in the way of others, or to 
make it a place of idle resort. No well-bred person, 
even a child, will indulge in loud laughing and talk- 



72 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



ing, staring at or making remarks about people, or 
other conspicuous behavior here or in any public 
resort. 

A railroad station is also a place of business, and 
unless it is necessary for us to go there, we had better 
stay away. In small towns it is quite a fashion for 
boys and girls to go to the station " to see the cars 
come in " ; but it is not improving to their manners or 
morals. If they could realize, especially the girls, 
how out of place they appear standing on platforms, 
where they have no occasion to be, jostled by pas- 
sengers and baggage-men, and exposed to the rude 
remarks of passers-by, they would never go there un- 
necessarily. 

In all public places we should consider, in refer- 
ence to our conduct, two things : first, the courtesy 
we owe to others ; and second, the respect we owe to 
ourselves. 



5 



Lesson XL 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 



MANNERS IN TRAVELLING. 



Politeness in the waiting-room. 

Buying a ticket 

Getting on and off the cars, 

Obtaining and occupying seats, 

Offering seats to ladies. 

Leaving seats temporarily, 

Talking, laughing, and eating, 

Taking a seat with another, 

Courtesy toward officials. 

Courtesy toward fellow-travellers. 

Conduct if delays occur, 

Behavior at places for refreshment. 

A French boy ; s politeness in travelling, 



LESSON XI. 



MANNERS IN TRAVELLING. 

Before we fairly begin the journey we want to con- 
sider what belongs to good manners at the station. 

If the waiting-room is crowded, and there are not 
seats for all, the young ought cheerfully to give place 
to older people, especially to old ladies and to 
mothers with little children in their arms. There is 
often opportunity here to show little courtesies to 
others which may brighten their whole day. 

To amuse a fretful child for a few moments, or 
bring it a glass of water when the mother cannot 
leave other children to do it, or to find the baggage- 
master and get a trunk checked for a nervous old 
lady, is a small thing in itself, but it may be more 
welcome to the receiver under the circumstances than 
a far greater favor at another time. The comfort or 
discomfort of a journey is made up of just such small 
things. 

When the ticket window is opened there is no 
need for us to rush to it or to push aside any one 
else. Time is given for all to buy their tickets com- 
fortably. We ought, if possible, to hand, the exact 
price of the ticket, and not take the ticket-seller's 
time to change large bills. For the same reason we 
should ask for the ticket in the briefest sentence we 



7 6 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



can frame, and if a question is necessary, put it in 
the most business-like manner, and thank him for 
the information given. 

We should not attempt to get on the cars while 
others are getting off : it hinders them and our- 
selves, and nothing is gained by such unbecoming 
haste. The much-ridiculed American hurry is well 
illustrated by a company of people crowding up the 
steps while another company is crowding down. 
When w r e leave the cars it is better to wait until they 
come to a full stop before rising from our seats. We 
shall be likely to get out as soon as if we went sway- 
ing down the aisle, crowding other people, and in 
danger of falling headlong when the train finally 
stops. 

What has been said about obtaining seats at places 
of amusement applies to seats in cars as well. Those 
who come first have the first choice ; but ^e should 
not forget good manners in the choosing. We have 
no right to more room than we pay for, and, unless 
there are plenty of unoccupied seats, it is rude and 
selfish to spread out our parcels and wraps so as to 
discourage any one from asking to sit beside us; 
yet a well-dressed woman, with her possessions un- 
concernedly arranged on a seat facing her, ignoring 
the fact that others are standing in the aisle, is not 
an uncommon spectacle. 

Courtesy in the cars or in a coach is as binding on 
us as courtesy in the parlor, and never, perhaps, is 
it better appreciated than by tired travellers. 



MANNERS IN TRAVELLING. 



77 



Good-breeding does not require a gentleman or a 
boy to offer his seat to any lady who is standing, but 
he should never fail to do it to an old lady or one 
with a child in her arms, or one with an inconven- 
ient package ; and it is pleasant to see that fine 
politeness which prompts its possessor to treat every 
lady as he would wish his mother or sister treated. 
A lady should not accept such a civility in silence. 
We too often see her drop into a seat which a gentle- 
man rises to offer as if it were her right, without a 
word or even a bow of acknowledgment. Such a 
person has no right to expect a similar courtesy the 
second time. 

If any one leaves his seat for a time without leav- 
ing any piece of property in it to show that it be- 
longs to him, he cannot lawfully claim it on returning ; 
but civility should prevent any one from taking it, if 
he knows it belongs to another. 

In travelling, as everywhere in public, noisy con- 
versation and the " loud laugh that speaks the vacant 
mind " are offensive to good taste. Constant eating 
of fruit and peanuts is bad manners, and, as has been 
said before, it is generally associated with loud talk- 
ing and laughing and other rude behavior. 

On long journeys it is necessary to eat luncheons 
or even regular meals, but this, done in a w r ell-bred 
way, is a very different thing from the continual 
eating indulged in by a certain class of travellers. 

We should not sit down beside another without 
asking if the seat is engaged. If a person asks to 



Ltf 



78 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



sit beside us, we should assent with cordiality, not 
sullenly gather up our bundles, as we often see people 
do, impatient at having their selfish ease disturbed. 
It is polite for a gentleman to offer a lady the seat 
next the window. 

We ought to have our ticket ready when the con- 
ductor comes around, and not keep him waiting while 
we hunt for it in bag or pocket. 

If a brakeman raises a window or shuts a door for 
us, we should thank him ; and it is polite to thank the 
train boy who passes us water. We need not be 
ill-natured because he puts a magazine or prize 
package in our lap every half-hour. It is not an 
uncivil thing to do, and it is just as easy for us to 
receive it civilly, and say in a pleasant tone that we 
do not care for it, as to add one more snappish 
answer to the many given him in the course of a 
day. 

We should be watchful of occasions to show po- 
liteness to our fellow-travellers. There may be an 
old lady not accustomed to travelling, anxious and 
uneasy, to whom we can be of use. We can ask 
where she is going, and take the burden off her mind 
by saying, " I will tell you when we come to it." 

A gentlemanly boy will not see a lady trying to 
open or shut a window or reverse a seat without 
offering to do it for her, any more than a gentleman 
would. 

We should be patient in answering questions, 
especially from old people. If we are passing objects 



MANNERS IN TRAVELLING. 



79 



of interest with which we are familiar, it is polite to 
speak of them to a stranger sitting near. If we were 
journeying in the White Mountain region and were 
well acquainted with it, a stranger by our side would 
like to know the names of the different peaks, and 
to have the historic Willey House pointed out to 
him. One cheerful, obliging person will add to the 
comfort of the whole company. 

If delays occur on the way, and long periods of 
waiting, as often happen, we should be patient and 
cheerful over the matter ourselves, and thus help 
others to be so. Good-nature is contagious at such 
times. It is of no use to tire the conductor and 
brakemen with repeated questions : they are rarely 
responsible for the delay, which is more vexatious to 
them than to us. 

Places for refreshment on a journey, with the brief 
time usually allowed, afford opportunities to show 
one's good or ill breeding. It would be better to 
have no lunch than to struggle for the best place 
and loudly demand attention, to the exclusion of 
others. To bring a cup of tea to an old lady, or to 
the mother who cannot leave her baby to get it hen 
self, is a slight thing for us to do, but it may be a 
great favor to them. 

In an article on the politeness of French children 
as compared with boys and girls in America, the 
writer illustrates what he is saying in this way : — 

" I was travelling in a compartment with a little 
French boy of twelve, the age at which American 



8o 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



children, as a rule, deserve killing for their rudeness 
and general disagreeableness. I sat between him 
and the open window, and he was eating pears. Now 
most boys in our country of that age would either 
have dropped the cores upon the floor or tossed them 
out of the window, without regard to anybody- But 
this small gentleman, every time, with a * Permit me, 
sir,' said in the most pleasant way, rose and came to 
the window und dropped them out, and then with a 
' Thanks, sir,' quietly took his seat. French children 
do not take favors as a matter of course and unac- 
knowledged. And when in his seat, if an elderly 
person came in, he was the very first to rise and 
offer his place, if it were in the slightest degree more 
comfortable than another ; and the good-nature with 
which he insisted on the new-comer's taking it was 
delightful to see." 

The writer goes on to say that this was not an ex- 
ceptional boy, but a fair type of the average French 
child, and his conduct was a sample of what might 
be seen anywhere, even among the ragged boys of 
the street. The reason for this state of things is 
given in the opening sentences of the article : — 

" Politeness, with the French, is a matter of edu- 
cation as well as nature. The French child is taught 
that lesson from the beginning of its existence, and 
it is made a part of its life. It is the one thing that 
is never forgotten, and the lack of it never forgiven," 



ft 



Lesson XII. 



OUTLINE FOR BLACKBOARD. 

♦ 

MANNERS IN BORROWING. 



Care of borrowed articles. 
What not to borrow, 
How to return a book, 
Returning- an equivalent. 
Promptness in returning, — anecdote, 

I 



LESSON XII. 



MANNERS IN BORROWING. 

It is an old saying, " He that goes borrowing goes 
sorrowing " ; but it might often be more truly said of 
the one to whom the borrower goes. 

We should be more careful of a borrowed article 
than if it were our own. If we are so unfortunate 
as to injure or lose it, we should replace it, if it can 
be done ; if not, make the best possible apology. 
We have no right to lend a borrowed thing to an- 
other without the owner's permission. Perhaps noth- 
ing is treated in this way oftener than a book. Peo- 
ple who consider themselves honest and just will 
lend a borrowed book to half a neighborhood, and if 
it is defaced or lost will give themselves no concern 
about it. 

It is not polite to borrow a garment to wear except 
of a relative or intimate friend. Neither is it good 
manners to ask for a garment or pattern to cut one 
by for ourselves : the owner may prefer not to have 
it copied. If a person admires a garment or pattern 
belonging to us, and we are willing to lend it, it is 
our place to offer it without its being asked for. 

If a book or article to read is lent us, we should 
read it promptly, and when we return it say whatever 
pleasant things we can of it with truth. To send it 
back without expressing an opinion, or making ac- 
knowledgment of the kindness, is inexcusable. 



8 4 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



If we borrow something which is not to be re- 
turned itself, but its equivalent, we should be careful 
to return what is of as good or better quality, and 
as much in quantity, if not a little more, to make up 
for the trouble of the one who lends to us. 

It is not polite to keep a borrowed article long ; 
and if a time for returning it is specified, we should 
be careful not to neglect doing it when the time 
comes. If possible, we should return it ourselves, 
not give it to the owner to carry home or send it by 
another ; and we should never omit to thank the 
lender. To compel the owner to send for his prop- 
erty is a gross violation of good manners on the part 
of the borrower. The owner should not send unless 
he feels that he can wait no longer, or unless the 
borrower is habitually careless and needs to be taught 
a lesson. 

" I never ask a gentleman to return money he has 
borrowed," said one man to another. 

" How then do you get it ? " asked his friend. 

" After a while," was the answer, " I conclude he 
is not a gentleman, and then I ask him." 

This reasoning will apply in case of lending other 
things as well as money. 

When we lend we should do so with cordial polite- 
ness and not spoil the favor by the half-hearted way 
in which we offer or grant it ; but borrowing should 
be regarded as a necessary evil, to be resorted to only 
when it cannot well be avoided. The habitual bor- 
rower is a burden to society. 



How the Ant ean be enlarged to the size of the Elephant, 



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s 4 



LESSONS ON MANNERS. 



If we borrow something which is not to be re- 
turned itself, but its equivalent, we should be careful 
to return what is of as good or better quality, and 
as much in quantity, if not a little more, to make up 
for the trouble of the one who lends to us. 

It is not polite to keep a borrowed article long ; 
and if a time for returning it is specified, we should 
be careful not to neglect doing it when the time 
comes. If possible, we should return it ourselves, 
not give it to the owner to carry home or send it by 
another ; and we should never omit to thank the 
lender. To compel the owner to send for his prop- 
erty is a gross violation of good manners on the part 
of the borrower. The owner should not send unless 
he feels that he can wait no longer, or unless the 
borrower is habitually careless and needs to be taught 
a lesson. 

" I never ask a gentleman to return monev he has 
borrowed," said one man to another. 

" How then do you get it ? " asked his friend. 

" After a while," was the answer, " I conclude he 
is not a gentleman, and then I ask him." 

This reasoning will apply in case of lending other 
things as well as money. 

When we lend we should do so with cordial polite- 
ness and not spoil the favor by the half-hearted way 
in which we offer or grant it ; but borrowing should 
be regarded as a necessary evil, to be resorted to only 
when it cannot well be avoided. The habitual bor- 
rower is a burden to society. 



How the Ant can be enlarged to the size of the Elephant. 



BEGINNINGS WITH THE MICROSCOPE. 

A WORKING HANDBOOK, 

Containing Simple Instructions in the Art and Method of Using 
the Microscope, and Preparing Articles for 
Examination, 

By AV ALTER P. MASTOIf, M.D., 

Author of ''Taxidermy without a Teacher," "Insects," 
and " Field Botany." 



Illustrated, Price 50 Cents. 



This dainty little manual treats of 
1. The Microscope and. Working Tools. 

2. Preparing Objects. 

3. Stains and. Staining. 

4. Embedding. 

5. Needle Preparations and Section Cu-tting. 

6. Mounting. 

7. How to Work. 

9. What to work with. 

Dr.Manton, whose previous " Practical Helps to Natural History" 
are having an extensive sale, here gives in a simple and comprehen- 
sive manner, a fund of information about "the rcvealer of those 
particles which in the aggregate go to make up bodies visible to 
the naked eye, but which, taken singly, are so small that their size 
must be magnified many times in order that the human e>e may 
determine their structure/' 

This handbook will be found equally valuable as a manual for 
schools, as an instructor to the energetic youth who receives one of 
these valuable instruments as a premium, or as a book of reference 
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appreciation of everything good and noble in the persons of whom the 
author speaks. There is a peculiar vividness and freshness in the de- 
scriptions which seems to bring the individual before you, living and 
speaking Six eminent authors form the subjects : Hawthorne, 1'oe, 
Thoreau, Howells, Helen Jackson, Henry James, Jr. Tliere are also 
many interesting, incidental glances at other eminent names."— Ch. 
Secretary 

" These studies are fresh and invigorating. The author comes to his 
subject with an insight and appreciation that stirs the deepest s> m- 
pathy of his readers. They show the authors in a living way, and 
point out their special work and excellence in a delightful manner." 

— Detroit Advertiser. 

" Col. Higginson is nn author, essayist, critic, and historian, of marked 
ability, but in none of his works does he appear to greater advantage 
than in these graceful and documentary sketches. We strongly doubt 
that any more elegant and appreciative tributes to the genius of Haw- 
thorne, Foe or Thoreau were ever written in the delightful papers by 
the author of " An Oldport Romance," and " Army Life in a B.ack 
Regiment."— Kingston Freeman. 

" These 1 Studies ' are rather those of the characters themselves 
than of their works, find written in Mr. Higginson's best analytical 
style, fill up a leisure hour charmingly."— ToUdo Journal. 

Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, 

47 Franklin St., Boston. 



"A WONDERFUL ART." 



Taxidermy Without a Teacher. 



COMPRISING 



A Complete Manual of Instruction for Preparing and 
Preserving Birds, Animals, and Fishes ; with a 
Chapter on Hunting and Hygiene ; together 
with Instructions for Preserving Eggs 
and making Skeletons, and a 
Number of Valuable 
Recipes. 

r 

By WALTER P. MANTON, 

Author of "Insects,'' "Field Botany," etc. 



Illustrated. Cloth, 50 Cents. 



« 4 The young naturalist will find the little book just what he needs 
for an intelligent understanding of this interesting and profitable class 
of work."— Chicago hiter-Octan, 

"Every naturalist ought to have a copy for immediate use."— Des 
Moines State Leader. 

" The author wastes no space or pains, but tells what ho has to say 
in the most practical fashion and in as few words as n ay be. There 
must be a steady demand for such a book, which this one seems wed 
adapted to supply " - Congregatwnaltst, Boston. 

" We would be glad if all teachers would take this little book, study 
it faithfully, become interested themselves and interest their pupils 
in this wonderful art."— Practical Teacher. 

" Will be especially valued by the troops of boys when going out on 
their collecting expeditions after birds, beasts aiid fishes "—Literary 
World, Boston. 

" The beginner in this field of science can well study without any 
other master, as it fairly and fully explains the process of preparing 
and preserving birds, animals and fishes."— Boston Commonwealth. 

" A work that every amateur naturalist should carry in his pocket 
on his Summer trips "—Boston Post. 

Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, 

4,7 Franklin St., Boston. 



USEFUL IN AN EMERGENCY. 



WHAT IS TO BE DONE? 

A Handbook for the Nursery, with useful Hints for Children 
and Adults. 

By ROBERT B. DIXOiN", M.D. 

Surgeon of the Fifth Mass. Infantry ; 

PHYSICIAN TO THE BOSTON DISPENSARY. 



Price, cloth, 50 cents; paper, 30 cents. 



This is not only a useful, but at the same time a clever little hand- 
book, and one which is well adapted for all who have any regard 
for their own health or that of their children. The book contains 
hints and remedies for the treatment of accidents and diseases, 
and they are so clearly arranged that any one can easily understand 
what do do in an emergency when a physician cannot be reached, or 
before his services can be obtained. Besides the general hints, there 
is a prefix containing a set of rules on the personal care of the health, 
arranged in such a clear and concise manner that they will be not 
only instructive, but, at the same time, exceedingly interesting read- 
ing. If people of all c'asses cannot or will not eat, drink, and avoid 
all that is recommended in this book, at least they can learn the 
reason why such and such conditions of atmosphere, diet, and exer- 
cise should be sought for, and such and such determining causes of 
ill health be shunned. If every boy and girl in the land could be 
taught the rules to be found in this little book, we have no hesitation 
in saying they would be saved much suffering and disease, and 
would add incalculably to the strength of our Continent by producing 
and preserving a sounder and more vigorous race of human beings. 

This handbook will be found especially useful for cottagers during 
the summer season, who live at some distance from their physician. 

It is, without doubt, the best book of the kind yet prepared for the 

non-professional world. 

Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, 

47 Franklin St., Boston. 



A MOST VALUABLE COMPANION. 



FIELD BOTANY : 



A Hand-Book for the Collector. 



CONTAINING 



Instructions for Gathering and Preserving Plants, and 
the Formation of a Herbarium; also, Complete 
Instructions in Leaf Photography, Plant 
Printing, and the Skeletonizing 
of Leaves. 



By WALTER P. MANTON. 



Illustrated. Cloth, 50 Cents. 



"A most valuable companion. The amount of information con- 
veyed in the small compass is surprising."— Demorest's Monthly, New 
York. 

"It is just what the boys and girls need for the spring campaign in 
Botany, and at the' modest price of fifty cents is accessible to all."— 
Christian Register, Boston. 

" It is entirely practical, and gives the collector just the knowledge 
required to render his work permanent and satisfactory Itssmall- 
ness fits it to be carried in the pocket, which is a consideration."— 
National Baptist, N.Y. 

*' Of inestimable value to young botanists."— Rural New Yorker. 

"There are many practical suggestions in the book, also, which would 
probably be new, and which would certainly be useful to teacher as 
well as pup J."— Kingston (N.Y.) Freeman. 

" We heard a class of bright young botanists recite the other day, 
and we thought at the time how delightful a thing it would be to 
prosecute in these blossoming months that entertaining study our- 
selves. Perhaps we shall carry out the thought. If we do, this little 
work shall be our vade mecum."— Chicago Standard. 

Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, 

47 Franklin St., Boston. 



"THE BOOK IS ADMIRABLE." 



HANDBOOK 

OF 

LIGHT GYMNASTICS. 

By LUCY B. HUNT, 

Instructor in Gymnastics at Smith (Female) College, Northampton, Mass. 

Illustrated. Cloth, 50 cts. 



' 1 This manual is admirably adapted for tke use of teachers and 
pupils in public and private schools, and in seminaries and col- 
leges, as well as a guide to health-giving exercises in the homes, 
especially for girls. Well-arranged" series of exercises are given 
in free gymnastics, wand exercises, ring exercises, dumb-bells, 
procession, mutual-help exercises, bean-bags, marching, and a 
practical chapter on dress suitable for gymnastic exercises to be 
taken in. Ail these exercises have been carefully selected and 
thoroughly tested, and can be safely practised by' any person in 
ordinary health." — Journal of Education. 

" Taking the system of Dr. Dio Lewis as a foundation, Miss 
Hunt has, during her experience as a teacher, taken from, added 
to, and altered various exercises, until the course, so to speak, 
has assumed the order now presented in her little book, a course 
which, if carefully followed, will make the maidens of America 
better fitted to become its mothers." — N. Y. Mail and Express. 

" ft is designed as a guide to teachers of girls, but it will be 
found o\ use also to such as wish to practice the exercises at 
home." — N. Y. World. 

" A volume so very diminutive that one can hardly realize that 
it contains nearly all that one needs for the teaching or practice 
of light gymnastics, and even more than Dr. Lewis's clever and 
amusing volume." — Budget. 

ft This work has many advantages. It is inexpensive, it is con- 
venient, it is condensed, it is clear. It is careful to avoid any 
strained, unnatural, or ungraceful positions, it does not attempt 
to make a gospel of gymnastics, as some fanatics have done." — v 
N. Y. Christian Advocate. 

" A useful little manual, by a teacher of much experience, who 
embodies in this little work the best results of her knowledge 
and practice of the modern system of gymnastic exercises for 
girls' schools and colleges; and also for use at home." — Jennie 
June. 

sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, 

47 Franklin St., Boston. 



OCT 31 1900 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



021 899 245 6 



